Wheel & Sprocket Hosts Grand Opening Thursday

New Evanston bike shop Wheel and Sprocket will host a grand opening in downtown Evanston this Thursday.

The Wisconsin-based bicycle chain replaces Ten 27 Cycles at 1027 Davis St., a storefront that has operated as a bicycle shop for the last four decades. Ten 27 Cycles closed in December.

"Our passion goes far beyond the walls of our stores by being involved with community events, rides, and support of bike friendly legislation,” Wheel and Sprocket owner Chris Kegel said in a press release. “We have a bike for everyone, stand behind our product and service quality, and offer the best prices in the area.” 

Kegel owns seven stores altogether, most in the Milwaukee area and Wisconsin's Fox Valley. The Evanston location now has new floors, a new fit studio and a community bike station outside including a compressed air hose allowing residents to pump their tires anytime.

Thursday's grand opening takes place at 5 p.m. at the store, and will be attended by Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl, Ald. Don Wilson (4th Ward) and other city officials.

Following a ribbon cutting and reception, there will be presentations about new bike lanes coming to Evanston and about getting kids involved in bike racing, according to manager Chris Mailing.